Type A "Montefortino" Helmet
Culture
Italian
Peninsula
Dateabout 400–200 B.C.E.
Mediumbronze and iron
Dimensions19.1 × 19.4 × 21.9 cm (7 1/2 × 7 5/8 × 8 5/8 in.), 4 lb, 4 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.22
Description1-piece bronze. Excavated condition, green patina. Hemispherical, slightly ogival skull, with outward flange around base, pronounced at nape. Apex fitted with separate iron crest knob most of which has corroded away (knob was probably similar to one in Stibbert; see p. 16, fig. 12, Robinson). Remnants of pair of iron sockets at sides slightly forward & above temples (possibly plumeholders). Edge of skull finished with flattened, inward turnover, cabled in alternating broad-narrow roped motif, carried under edge. This is itself surmounted by a sunken border, engraved with a wavecrest-like scroll desgin on the anterior half (this design is decorated with minute punched dots). Posterior half bears sketchy foliate engravings. The sunken border is margined by small, pearled fillets.
Mountings for cheek-pieces are restored and improperly mounted on the border proper; these would have been hinged with bronze rivets on the inside of the skull, near the temples. Upper edge of both cheek-pieces restored with plaster, brass & solder to form hinges. Proper right cheek-piece is modern. Separate cheek-pieces anterior edges drawn out into rounded cusps at eye- & mouth levels; posterior edge curved to follow jaw line. Edges flanged slightly outwards. Centered on lower edge is obliquely vertical pair of corroded iron rivets, once used to secure the terminals of the helmet straps.
Centered on nape flange interior are remains of mounting rivet used to secure pair of "D" rings (lacking) for attachment of helmet straps (missing).
Label TextThe Montefortino style of helmet originated among the Celtic people of Gaul (modern France). Tribes of Celts invaded Italy after 400 B.C.E., sacking Rome around 390. Native Italians were quick to adopt the military styles of the conquerors. By the time of the Punic Wars against Carthage in the 200s, the Montefortino helmet had become standard equipment for soldiers of the Roman republic. The fine workmanship and delicate decoration on this helmet suggest it is an early example of the Montefortino style, but it is impossible to be sure whether it was made by a Celt, Roman, or Etruscan.ProvenanceSir Francis Cook; Christie's (London); sale of 14 July 1925, lot 137 Cyril Andrade, Ltd. (London) purchased for 14 guineas. Purchased by John Higgins from Cyril Andrade (his #3; "233" on tag) 16 May 1930, for 40 li. Given to the Armory 15 December 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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